Page 30 - Jeep Jamboree Ultimate Guide To Safe Common Sense Off-Roading

OBSTACLES

RUTS AND GULLIES
How you approach a rut or gully depends on the level of clearance your vehicle
has. If your vehicle has adequate ground clearance, you are able to enter the
hole straight on. This method will provide the best traction. When clearance
is a problem, you may need to enter the hole diagonally. This will lessen
the clearance needed to clear the hole but can also lessen traction.
If you are in a deep rut in mud or snow and can’t get out, dig two
small trenches at a 45 degree angle, either right or left and place
the materials removed into the rut. Drive forward slowly and
the vehicle should drive up and out of the rut. If the ruts are too
deep to drive in, move to the left or right and drive parallel to
the existing ruts. Knowing your vehicle will help you choose the
scenario that best fits the situation.

STRADDLING
If your vehicle has the wheel width, it’s best to straddle ruts or gullies
when possible. Go slow and do your best not to let one set of wheels
slip into the crevice. Straddling will offer a more comfortable drive and
keep your vehicle in an upright position to allow a better view of the
trail.

LOGS
As with other objects, getting over the log will depend on your vehicle’s clearance. But if you don’t have
the clearance, you may not need to turn around. There are a few other things you can do to get your
vehicle up and over.

If driving at an angle still won’t get you over, you can
build a makeshift ramp with the materials around
you, such as small logs, rocks or dirt.

If you are unable to cross an obstacle, you may
Cross the log at an angle, one tire at a time. This be able to clear a path for your vehicle. Use your
will decrease the clearance needed to cross. winch to pull obstacles out of your way.

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